By Zach Spicer
JCIDC recently has been awarded funding from various sources.
The most recent was approved by The Andersons Inc. community contributions committee, valued at $500.
Through its corporate contributions, The Andersons is committed to enhancing the quality of life in communities where it has business operations by contributing to a number of organizations for their events and programs.
Founded in 1947 in Maumee, Ohio, The Andersons Inc. is a diversified company rooted in agriculture that conducts business in the commodity trading, ethanol, plant nutrient and rail sectors. The company has a facility in Seymour.
JCIDC also was one of five economic development organizations in south central Indiana selected by Duke Energy for inclusion in its 2025 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment to Indiana.
“This program gives our local economic development partners the tools they need to showcase the strengths of their communities, both at home and on the national stage,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping influence growth in the state to build competitive, thriving communities.”
JCIDC received $5,000 from Duke’s Partnership Program grant fund, and that will be used to support a wide array of marketing initiatives, including trade show attendance, and presentations or tours to introduce prospective companies and site selectors to a community.
To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. Grant amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 910,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier. The company has an office in Seymour.
JCIDC also received a $1,000 Spark Good local grant from the Walmart store in Seymour.
This grant will help with the girls robotics workshop that will be conducted in the fall for middle and high school girls involved in the VEX Robotics program at their school. The first Girl Powered Workshop in Jackson County was held in 2024 in Seymour and attended by 31 girls from eight county schools along with female engineers and others from local companies.
Walmart believes investing in local communities strengthens its business and communities served. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where the company operates, build pride among associates and deepen relationships with customers. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000.
JCIDC’s Workforce Partnership recently gained a new contributor, too.
CFA Staffing is based in Batesville and also has offices in Seymour and Plainfield. According to cfastaffing.com, Teresa Wade started the company in 1999, providing sub-assembly work for an automotive parts supplier. CFA offers a range of tailored staffing solutions designed to meet business needs.
